POWER play

Delve into the history and evolution of power dressing.

- JOAN KONG

Clothes have always been a means of self-expression – they don’t make the (wo)man, but they certainly make the first impression. Whether it’s to express your personality, to make a political statement or to spread awareness, your fashion choices say a lot about who you are, and when it comes to power dressing, it’s no different. 

Think of the term “power dressing” and pantsuits will come to mind, but its road to becoming a symbol of confidence and power hasn’t always been celebrated. In fact, its storied journey is as inspiring as it is turbulent. Popularised in the ’70s and ‘80s when more women joined the workforce and took on the corporate world, power dressing allowed them to establish their authority in a professional or political environment that was traditionally dominated by men. It was the epitome of dressing for success.

This story would not be told if trousers didn’t make their way into women’s wardrobes first though. Women and pants have a complex history – one that involves shaming, mocking and even jail time. But we have one woman to thank for – Amelia Bloomer, a suffragette and newspaper editor who advocated for women’s rights to wear the garment. In mid-1800s America where women squeezed themselves into corsets and petticoats and wore full-length dresses that could weigh over six kilograms, Bloomer advocated for a new style that was less restrictive for their daily activities. As a result, the “bloomer” trend – loose puffed-out pants worn underneath skirts and dresses – was popularised. It was truly the first wave of feminism. 

From bloomers to the suffragette suit to pantsuits, here’s a visual history of power dressing.